Standing Together: Bison on the Boulevard Brings Art, Awareness, and Hope to Roblin Boulevard

On Roblin Boulevard in Winnipeg, a powerful new art installation is taking shape—one that blends beauty, meaning, and community spirit. Bison on the Boulevard, launched by the Toba Centre for Children & Youth, serves as a striking symbol of solidarity, healing, and resilience.

Much more than a public art exhibit, Bison on the Boulevard carries a more profound message. Drawing inspiration from the protective and communal nature of bison, who instinctively shield and support their young, this installation aligns perfectly with Toba Centre’s mission: to provide coordinated and compassionate care for children and youth impacted by abuse.

Each bison in the herd is a unique creation thoughtfully painted by a Manitoba artist. Together, they line the boulevard like sentinels of hope, offering a visual reminder that those walking through Toba Centre’s doors are not alone. Whether a child finds the courage to share their story, a caregiver seeks support, or a community member chooses to get involved, the bison represent a collective force standing strong against abuse.

The initiative is designed to do more than decorate a street—it aims to ignite conversation. By raising awareness of child abuse and the critical role Toba Centre plays in responding to it, Bison on the Boulevard calls on all of us to be part of the solution. It’s an invitation to reclaim something lost—to give back safety, dignity, and belief in a better tomorrow.

At its heart, this installation underscores a simple but powerful truth: healing from trauma is not something anyone should face alone. Just as each painted bison brings something distinct to the herd, every community member has a role to play in building a safer, more supportive Manitoba.

Bison Transport is humbled to support Bison on the Boulevard, standing alongside the artists, advocates, and families who make up this remarkable movement. As the herd takes its place on Roblin Boulevard, we hope all who pass by are reminded of the strength that comes from standing together—and the difference we can make when we do.

_{* Special thanks to the talented artist, Brian Hahlweg, who painted the Bison-sponsored bison, and to all the other artists involved in this great initiative.}